Method of applying wax to a flotation device

ABSTRACT

A method of applying wax to the top surface of a surfboard. The method may include heating the wax until the wax is molten and in liquid form. Then the liquid wax may be applied to the surface. The liquid wax may then cool and harden on the top surface of the surfboard. In certain embodiments, designs, ripples and patterns may be formed on the liquid wax when the liquid wax is on the surfboard.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of applying wax to a flotation device and, more particularly, to a method of applying molten wax to a surfboard.

Waxed used on surfboards is a formulation of natural and/or synthetic wax, and other materials, for application to the deck of a surfboard, body board, or skim board, to provide traction in order to keep the surfer from slipping off the board when paddling in water, or riding a wave. It is also used to increase grip on the paddle of a surf kayak or dragon boat.

Currently, surfboard wax is in a solid state before use and is usually applied by hand. This requires heavy exerted energy and is time consuming. Further, the method of hand rubbing the wax onto the board is restrictive when attempting to apply a design, pattern, logo or the like.

As can be seen, there is a need for a method of easily applying wax onto a surfboard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a method of waxing a surfboard comprises: heating a surfboard wax to a molten state, forming a liquid surfboard wax; applying the liquid surfboard wax to the top surface of a surfboard; and allowing the liquid surfboard wax to cool on the top surface of the surfboard to form a hardened wax on the top surface of the surfboard.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view demonstrating molten wax application via a brush on method;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view demonstrating molten wax application via a brush on method;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view demonstrating molten wax application via an application device method; and

FIG. 4 is a section detail view of the invention along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a method of applying molten wax to the surface of a surfboard. The method may include heating the wax until the wax is molten and in a liquid form. Then the liquid wax may be applied to the surface. The liquid wax may then cool and harden on the surface of the surfboard. In certain embodiments, designs, ripples and patterns using templates may be formed on the liquid wax when the liquid wax is on the surfboard.

The present invention may include the application of a heated molten wax, or other adhesive product, that may be applied onto the surface of a flotation device, such as a surfboard. The flotation device may be used to manually maneuver on, in and around moving or stationary water, either fresh or salt water, in a natural or manmade environment. The application of the heated molten wax or other adhesive product may be applied in different manners, such as brushed on, dripped on, hand applied, sprayed, dripped, or stroked on.

The method of the present invention includes heating wax to a molten state, and applying the wax to the board using a brush, a spray device, dripping or the like. By heating the wax to a molten state, the wax flows easier. Therefore, the present invention may reduce the amount of time it takes to apply wax products to the surfboard. Further, the present invention facilitates the application of a pattern, design, and logo with precision, which is limited when hand rubbing wax in a solid state.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3, the present invention may include a method of waxing a surfboard 14. The method may include heating a surfboard wax 16 to a molten state, forming a liquid surfboard wax 16. The liquid surfboard wax 16 may be applied to the top surface of the surfboard 14. The liquid surfboard wax 16 may be cooled on the top surface of the surfboard 14 to form a hardened wax 16 on the top surface of the surfboard 14.

The present invention provides for multiple methods of applying the liquid surfboard wax 16 to the top surface of the surfboard 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the surfboard wax 16 may first be heated. Then a user may apply the liquid wax 16 using an application brush 12.

In certain embodiments, the application may be done by machine. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the present invention may include a wax container 10. The wax container 10 may include a heating element to heat the wax 16 within. The machine may further include an air compressor 18 or other force applying device such as hydraulic, or worm screw. A nozzle 20 may be operatively attached to the air compressor 18 and the wax container 10. Therefore, when the nozzle 20 is activated, the air compressor 18 may pump the wax 16 through the nozzle 20 which may be directed to the top surface of the surfboard 14. In certain embodiments, hoses or pipes may attach the compressor 18 to the nozzle 20 and the nozzle 20 to the wax container. An electric source supplies the power to run the air compressor 18 and to heat the wax. The application device then sprays the heated wax onto the surface of the surfboard.

In certain embodiments, a user may create an un-even rippled pattern when the surfboard wax is still in the liquid state on the top surface of the surfboard. In certain embodiments, users may create designed art work using the applied wax. Logos, personal names, graphics, advertising and other identifiers could be applied to a surfboard that cannot be clearly done with a hand application of solid wax.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of waxing a surfboard comprising: heating a wax to a molten state, forming a liquid wax; applying the liquid wax to the surface of a flotation device; and allowing the liquid wax to cool on the surface of the flotation device to form a hardened wax on the surface of the flotation device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the flotation device is a surfboard.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the surface is the top surface of the surfboard.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising creating at least one of a splotched pattern, and an un-even rippled pattern with the liquid surfboard wax on the top surface of the surfboard.
 5. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of creating at least one of a design, a logo, a name, and an artwork with the liquid surfboard wax on the top surface of the surfboard.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the surfboard wax is heated and applied using a machine comprising: a wax container comprising a heating element; an air compressor; and a nozzle, wherein the wax container and the air compressor are operatively connected to the nozzle.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the liquid wax is applied using a brush.
 8. The method of claim 3, wherein the liquid wax is applied by dripping the liquid wax onto the top surface of the surfboard. 